Special Olympians return as heroes

| 07/07/2011

(CNS): Cayman’s Special Olympics athletes were greeted as heroes Wednesday on their victorious return from the Special Olympics Summer World Games in Athens, Greece. The team came home with an impressive haul of eleven medals, including two gold, five silver and four bronze. Alongside the prized Olympic medals, the team also enjoyed a full complement of personal bests in their respective sports as they all rose to the challenge of competition on the world stage. Andrew Smiley won the gold medal in Special Olympics International’s first open water sea swim, while fellow competitor Mark Ebanks took gold in bocce. (Photo by Lennon Christian)

Kanza Bodden won two silver medals in aquatics, teammate Quinton Ebanks earned two silver and one bronze in aquatics, while bronze medalswere won by Cindy Whittaker and Shanike Ebanks (both in 200 meter races). Eleana Ow won bronze in single bocce, and the bocce team eam of Matthew Ebanks, Cindy Whittaker, Shanike Ebanks and Andrew Hayles also placed fourth.

The team was met by relatives, teachers, the media, well-wishers and government officials at Owen Roberts International Airport on Wednesday morning as they returned from Greece.

Although off-island on official business, the minister with responsibility for sport, Mark Scotland, sent congratulations to the “national ambassadors”, as well as their coaches and supporters.

“A medal haul of two gold, five silver and four bronze is very special,” he said. “The fact that all team members achieved their personal best performances at these games speaks volumes for their dedication — and reflects a truly competitive spirit. The minister added congratulations to the families, volunteers and all who “assist in creating quality in the lives of these athletes.”

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  1. <>Moonalay & Besrame<> says:

    I am very very proud of you guys; you ALL did a WONDERFUL JOB! … Keep it up you all made the people of Grand Cayman,Cayman Islands VERY PROUD!

    JOB WELL DONE! GUYS!

  2. Anonymous says:

    Well done! You deserve the Heros welcome and more for representing us so well!

     

  3. Anon says:

    Congrats Ladies and Gentlemen.

    You all have a winning spirit!

  4. Anonymous says:

    Congratulations!  Well done!  Had tears in my eyes watching you arrive home at the airport!  Shining example of wonderful human beings and what somebody can do if they just try and work hard.  You all make Cayman a happy place!  Thank you!

  5. Beachbay meatballs says:

    Congratulations to all from a life long fan

  6. Anonymous says:

    Well done lads!!

    The photo also really captures the spirit of the games – many thanks CNS.

  7. Anonymous says:

    Congratulations !!!!!!!!!!

  8. JEB says:

    Congrats team on a job well done you have all made us PROUD…………………… continue to shine.

  9. Anonymous says:

    This is fantastic!  Congratulations to all of our Special Olympians!!!  You make us proud.  🙂

  10. Anonymous says:

    Congratulations to all the athletes. You made Cayman proud.

    Thank you to the family members, coaches and supporters.

    Your Latest Fan